Emoni Narawa. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks v Springboks
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 6 September
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Emoni Narawa is back in the All Blacks, in a clear sign that the All Blacks are intending to attack and shore up their high ball ability Saturday night against the Springboks. Narawa will start on the right wing, with Sevu Reece dropping out of the squad.
Elsewhere, Finlay Christie starts in the last-man-standing halfback position, after injuries have ruled out Cam Roigard, Noah Hotham and Cortez Ratima. This means that Kyle Preston will potentially debut in the biggest test since the World Cup final, capping off a meteoric rise for the Wellington and Crusaders halfback, who only debuted off in Super Rugby Pacific this year and spent most of his season on the bench behind Hotham.
Billy Proctor is retained at centre, with Rieko Ioane staying on the left wing.
Meanwhile, the tight five selection involved a close race between Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell, with Newell getting the nod at tighthead prop. Tupou Vaa'i moves back to lock alongside captain Scott Barrett.
The loose forwards see Wallace Sititi starting at number eight, with Simon Parker's size preferred at blindside. That means boom rookie Fabian Holland moves back to the bench to accommodate Vaa'i starting at lock.
Ardie Savea will start his 100th test match at openside.
Beauden Barrett once again is retained at first five, with Will Jordan behind him at fullback and brother Jordie outside at second five.
On the bench, Robertson has gone for Du'Plessis Kirifi as loose forward cover, while Quinn Tupaea and Damian McKenzie unsurprisingly round out the bench.
"Ardie is one of three centurions in the match day 23 to play South Africa, while Kyle Preston is joined by three other players who have debuted for the All Blacks this year," said Scott Robertson.
"As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments."
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus names his side at 6pm tonight.
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